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Monthly Archives: November 2010

This week’s selection is a Virginia wine from the Veritas Winery nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains right here in the Commonwealth. This Cabernet Franc sells for $18 and is very enjoyable.

My notes:

cherry color

scent of berries and cherry

good body with a smooth finish

berry and cherry flavors with a slight woody edge

soft, subtle flavors

And the winemaker’s notes: (from the Veritas website)

“Ruby red in color and showing beautifully ripe fruit tones in the nose and palate. Medium bodied with layers of Cherry, Cassis, and Blackberry. The tannins are soft, elegant and well integrated, followed by light black pepper spice creating a truly harmonious finish.”

Hello, all! Sorry to have missed a week or two on the blog, but things were overly hectic towards the end of October. However, now the life is settling down a bit so back to important things… like wine!

I must begin by saying that Robert Mondavi Private Selection wines used to be our “house wines” because they’re cheaper and a decent enough quality. I still enjoy a glass from time to time, despite not having them much anymore because I’m just too busy trying other things. That said, I picked up this bottle of Robert Mondavi Solaire, Cabernet Sauvignon, on sale a few weeks ago. I had never seen the Solaire label before and was interested to give it a try. … And honestly, it was not a favorite. The taste just really didn’t do much for me this time. I still love a good glass of the classic Mondavi wines, but I would pass on buying the Solaire-labeled ones again. I did want to put this review up anyway, just in case others may want to try it.

Solaire by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon highlights an excellent blend of Paso Robles, Monterey County, and San Benito County fruit. This full-bodied wine displays aromas and flavors of blackberry, cassis, and plum, supported by ripe tannins and integrated, sweet vanilla oak. This wine has beautiful elegance.

It’s soft and approachable now, and will further improve with careful cellaring for eight to 10 years.”